+5v rail? what does it do? And is my powersupply good enough?

[Slash621]

I've got a 200w power supply with...

12v @ 10a
5v @ 16.7 amps


The machine is acting as a server and has..

Celeron D 2.4
512 buffalo tech ram
200gig Seagate
Pioneer DVD player
Gigabyte 8S661FXM-RZ board



it looks like my +5 rail is low, its onlyreading 3.6 or so volts..

Should i get another ps?

 

[ts3433]

I wouldn't trust a PSU with only 10A on the 12V rail for much longer... I'd suggest replacing that soon. You can find deals on XClio PSUs, which are made by Channel Well, which makes some of Antec's units. You can also check out some lower-end Fortrons/Sparkles (make sure FSP is in the model number, though). Something rated for about 350W from a good manufacturer should be about right.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Wow, I'm honestly surprised that PSU hasn't burned itself up yet, esp. if that reading is accurate. How are the air exhaust temps coming out of the back of the PSU? Really hot? Get a newer/better/stronger PSU, stat!

 

[jonnyGURU]

200W... SWEET!

The 5V is what powers all of the circuit boards on all of your drives. It also powers a lot of stuff on your motherboard, including cards in your slots.

I seriously doubt your 5V is running 3.6V. I can't see how anything would properly function. You're getting that reading off of the BIOS, aren't you? That's not a reliable way to check voltage on any motherboard.

Believe it or not, IMHO, as long as you don't add anymore drives or anymore cards that 200W power supply is probably adequate for that build, but check that voltage with an actual multimeter. If it really is 3.6V, swap it out.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Getting 3.6V off the 5V line would screw your system up as the ATX spec dictates +/- 5% maximum.

 

[Leros]

Check it out with a multimeter if you can get one. The local computer shop (not a place i generally go to) tested mine for free. However, everybody who does electrical work should own a multimeter as they are cheap (a good one costs $15).

 

[Reiniku]

if you're getting that reading from your mobo then its probably going to be wayyy off.

just a note: my ecs is currently reading

+3.3v: 2.19v
+5v: 4.17v
+12v: 7.04

on an Antec 350w (also put it another psu and they were even more off :b)

 

[Zepper]

Get the latest version of the hardware monitor program from your mobo mfr's web site - might be more accurate. Machine wouldn't likely function if the +5 was really that low. Make sure your P4-12V (4-pin square) power connector is plugged in properly.

.bh.

:moon: